Feb. 12, 2006 - Volvo?
Buried deep within the “Way Forward Plan” hoopla is the one success story Ford has. Volvo is the solitary foreign step child that former CEO, Jac “the knife” Nasser adopted that has actually grown into a productive member of the Ford family by contributing a decent return on investment. And why not, Volvo has turned from an ultra-conservative Swedish curiosity with a reputation for safety, into a swank full line European car company. Yet with all the goodness coming out Gothenberg, the enthusiast crowd has yet to take real notice, and that’s a shame.
Thanks to the latest revamping of the top dog S80, complete with a choice of transverse mounted inline six, or V8 engine, front wheel drive or all wheel drive, the complete line from top to bottom is rather good. My favorite is actually the small V50 wagon. It is the equal of an Audi A4 in almost every respect, yet less expensive and more unique. I think the extruded shoulder line that is now the look of Volvo works best on this small wagon. Details like the bullish nose and elegantly integrated tail lamps that sweep up into the d-pillar make for a satisfyingly sporty look.
Another great Volvo is the XC90 SUV, which also benefits from that same broad shouldered corporate look. At 4600 lbs, it is quite a lightweight truck (an equivalent BMW X5 comes in at close the 5000 lbs). Take the relative leanness and couple that to a 311 hp V8 engine and you have an entertaining tow vehicle for your track car (which was once your daily driver but thanks to time, money and many uncompromising modifications became unusable on the street).
Do Volvos have the dynamic capabilities of a BMW? No they don’t, but from my seat time I’d say they are as good as all those other cars aspiring to become BMW (especially the fwd ones), yet usually less expensive by a considerable margin. Good looks, good value, and relative scarcity (at least here in the Mid-west): what’s not to like?
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